Switching to Linux - where do I start?
It is fairly easy to switch to Linux, however it's best to prepare first, just like with anything other task, when prepared - things go much smoother!
0) Choose Linux OS (Operating System) distro (distribution). With so many Linux distros available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are a few popular Debian distros with a brief summary of what they’re best suited for:
- Linux Mint: is great for Windows current users, as it resembles Windows PC interface very closely and is very intuitive.
- Linux Elementary (available on Linux Best OS Collection Set): looks similar to Apple mac and is very appealing.
- Linux Tails: is best for anonymous secure internet browsing.
- Linux for Kids: is best for kids and students.
- Linux Kali: is best for more advanced users, future hackers and IT professionals.
1) Before anything - back up your data on the computer/device on which you will be testing/installing Linux!
2) Try Linux LIVE. You can boot with the Linux Operating System USB and check it out to see how it feels and works (NOTE: it will be a bit slow since it will be running LIVE from the USB). For a much better experience, it's best to install your Linux alongside Windows, so you can always boot into Windows as needed.
3) Create a list of apps/software you are currently using to see if the app has a Linux version or if there is an alternative similar app available. Here is a nice Windows to Linux switch table you can use as a template:
App Name (Windows / macOS) |
Linux Compatible / Alternative app |
App Description |
7Zip |
Yes |
ZIP file archiver. |
Adobe Photoshop |
No / GIMP |
Image editor, can do everything Photoshop can do and even more! For casual image editing: www.photopea.com |
AnyDesk |
Yes |
Remote control software. |
Apple iPhone: transferring data to computer |
No / libimobiledevice |
Copying files / images / videos from iPhone directly to computer hard drive. |
Avira Antivirus | Yes / ClamAV |
Antivirus / Anti-spyware. |
Blackblaze | No / RClone | Automated cloud backup. |
Chrome, Firefox, Opera |
Yes, Yes, Yes |
Most popular web browsers for browsing the internet. |
Climpchamp | No / KDEnlive | Video editing software. |
DOSBox |
Yes |
MSDOS emulator for classic software and games. |
Free Cam |
No / OBS Studio |
Video capture, recording and live streaming broadcasting software. |
MS Office |
No / LibreOffice |
Create / print documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, etc. |
MS Outlook | Mozilla Thunderbird | Email client app for sending / receiving / organizing emails, calendar, etc. |
NordVPN |
Yes |
VPN connection service / app. |
Notepad (Windows) |
No / Text Editor |
Integrated text editing app. |
Notepad++ | No / Kate |
Professional text editor for web development, coding and simply advanced text editing. |
Printing - LabelRange LP320 |
Yes | Thermal printer for printing shipping labels. |
Printing and Scanning - HP Laser Printer with WiFi |
Yes | hplip-gui setup for USB/WiFi config via Terminal |
The majority of HP printers / scanners will work with Linux. WiFi featured printers / scanners will usually add automatically during Linux installation. |
PyCharm |
Yes |
Popular and very powerful integrated development environment for programming in Python. |
Raspbery Pi Imager |
Yes |
Raspberry Pi Imager is the quick and easy way to install Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to a microSD card, ready to use with your Raspberry Pi. |
Snag-It | No / Shutter or ksnip |
Screenshot app with many advanced features. |
Steam |
Yes, with Proton |
Video gaming. |
Telegram |
Yes |
Very popular and secure messenger. |
Total Commander | No / Double Commander |
File manager with 2 panels side by side. |
VirtualBox |
Yes |
Virtualization software. Run Microsoft Windows, macOS or another Linux distribution within your current Linux OS for any possible need. |
WinDirStat | No / QDirStat |
A graphical app that visually displays what’s taking up the most space on your hard drive - perfect for freeing up space efficiently. |
Windows Explorer / Finder |
xfe (X File Explorer) |
An intuitive file explorer, perfect for everyday file browsing and management on your disk. |
WinRAR |
Yes |
Legendary super secure file archiver. |
WinSCP | No / Krusader |
Advanced twin panel (commander style) file manager with great features for (S)FTP file transfer and many other powerful features. |